Mom Journalist Blasted for 'Ballooning Figure' by Total Stranger

Whether you're Kim Kardashian or simply someone whose byline appears on the web, being in the public eye in any way, shape, or form usually means the public believes it's their right (or duty!) to have an opinion about you. A Telegraph columnist named Bryony Gordon knows that all too well after receiving an email from a reader who says he has "fantasised" about her over the years, but now he's "extremely disappointed in her."

Why? Well, it seems that he's appalled by what he calls her "ballooning figure" and also an article she wrote that apparently stated she didn't "care about such things anymore." Gasp!

Best part: Gordon's caption, "Reasons not to lose weight, part 856." No kidding!

It's simply ASTOUNDING how people like this reader not only think that their opinion about a stranger's weight should matter, but that they think "tough love" is the best way to motivate someone to pare pounds.

Let's clear something up, shall we? Bullying is never motivational. Especially not when it comes to encouraging someone to be healthier (which, believe it or not, is not always synonymous with slimmer).

Furthermore, a woman's figure -- no matter what size or shape -- is so incredibly unique. It also fluctuates, especially for some of us in those pretty damn awesome child-bearing years, during which we're actually able to grow and give birth to another human being. (Something it looks like Gordon did just last year, as evidenced by her Twitter photo below -- which makes her critic look like even more of a clueless jerk.)

But okay, fine. Let's say any given woman did want to lose weight. Is a sexist letter, passive-aggressive remark, and guilt-trip about lost "former attractiveness" really going to spark more "self-will" to hit the gym or inspire better attention to portion control? Doubtful.

In fact, recent research from the University of California, Los Angeles found negative language, like calling someone "fat" (or, you know, referring to their figure as "ballooning"), only serves to worsen any existing weight problem rather than encourage healthier habits.

That said, let's all vow to never resort to name-calling, stop purporting to know what will make someone else comfortable in their own skin or feel attractive, and leave judgment calls on other people's wellness and weight goals to them.

Has a stranger ever commented on your body like this? How did you react?